As I write these words, wildfires continue to burn across Northern California and will not likely be contained for several weeks.

Being described as “a serious, critical, catastrophic event,” there are more than 40 dead and that number is expected to climb as hundreds are still missing, including members from our congregations in the area.

Over 3,500 buildings have been lost. Unitarian Universalist congregations in Santa Rosa, Napa, and Grass Valley have been affected.

Congregation members in Santa Rosa and Napa have lost homes, and church members in Grass Valley have been evacuated from their homes, including members who relocated to the area after losing everything in Hurricane Katrina. The loss of cherished animal companions has also been reported.

Let us hold the members of these congregations and the communities where they live in our thoughts and prayers. This is when we remember that we belong to one another and that together we can do what we cannot do alone.

I also encourage you to be generous in supporting relief efforts.

Donations to the recently-established UUA Disaster Relief Fund will now also benefit those affected by the California wildfires.

Congregations and other Unitarian Universalist organizations in affected areas will be able to apply for funding that can be used to benefit congregational members or community partners. (Funds can also be used to repair or rebuild congregational facilities, but to date, thankfully, none have been damaged or lost.)

If you prefer to donate by mail, please make your check payable to the UUA with "Disaster Relief Fund: California Wildfires" on the memo line, and send it to UUA Gift Processing, 24 Farnsworth St, Boston, MA 02210.

About the Author

The Rev. Dr. James Kubal-Komoto is the Regional Lead for the Pacific Western Region of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Prior to assuming this position, Rev. Kubal-Komoto completed his 16th year of ministry at Saltwater Church, the Unitarian Universalist congregation in the...